Share your pictures? Hide split images
I have read and agree the terms and conditions of service.
New arrival

Viburnum macrocephalum - Chinese Snowball

Viburnum macrocephalum
Chinese Snowball, Chinese Snowball Viburnum, Snowball Viburnum

Be the first to leave a review

Why not try an alternative variety in stock?

12
From 12,50 € 2L/3L pot

Available in 3 sizes

95
From 3,70 € 8/9 cm pot

Available in 4 sizes

4
20% 52,00 € 65,00 € 7.5L/10L pot

Available in 3 sizes

1
From 18,50 € 2L/3L pot

Available in 2 sizes

8
20% 14,00 € 17,50 € 2L/3L pot

Available in 2 sizes

39
From 3,70 € Bare root

Available in 3 sizes

Available to order
From 3,90 € 8/9 cm pot

Available in 2 sizes

10
From 14,90 € 2L/3L pot

Available in 3 sizes

126
From 4,70 € 8/9 cm pot

Available in 4 sizes

4
From 18,50 € 3L/4L pot

Available in 3 sizes

7
From 20,50 € 2L/3L pot
83
From 4,70 € 8/9 cm pot

Available in 2 sizes

7
From 14,90 € 2L/3L pot
15
From 2,70 € 8/9 cm pot

Available in 3 sizes

5
From 14,90 € 2L/3L pot

Shipping country:

Schedule delivery date,

and select date in basket

This plant carries a 24 months recovery warranty

More information

Deciduous to semi-evergreen bush with a rounded habit, producing numerous hemispherical inflorescences in spring that range from lime green to pure white. Pollinated by insects, it is followed by small red drupes that turn black. Its foliage takes on beautiful colors in autumn. This Chinese species is very hardy and grows in deep, fertile and moist soil, preferably acidic, in full sun or partial shade.
Flower size
12 cm
Height at maturity
3 m
Spread at maturity
3 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -29°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
plantfit-full

Would this plant suit my garden?

Set up your Plantfit profile →

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to May, September to November
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering time April to June
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Description

Viburnum macrocephalum is also known as Chinese Snowball. It differs from the Chinese Snowball Bush by having less spectacular inflorescences, but also by its ability to bear fruit. It is an interesting plant for its abundant spring flowering, fruiting, and also for its flamboyant autumn foliage. In the garden, this snowball bush can be planted in a large shrub border or in a mixed hedge, in humus-bearing and moist soil.

The Viburnum macrocephalum is a shrub of the viburnum family that grows in the mountainous forests of central China, at an altitude between 400 and 1000 m. In its natural environment, this species can reach a height of 4 m, but its dimensions are closer to 2-3 m in all directions in our climates. Its habit is rounded, ramified, and somewhat irregular. The shrub blooms between late April and June, depending on the climate. Its wide and rounded inflorescences, measuring 8 to 18 cm in diameter, resemble those of some hydrangeas. Each inflorescence is composed of numerous sterile florets surrounded by a few large fertile florets, measuring 2 to 4 cm in diameter. Initially light green, these florets turn pure white. The naked and villous buds are visible in winter on the young, light and hairy shoots. Its ovate to elliptical leaves, measuring 6 to 12 cm long, sometimes persist through winter in mild climates. They are initially grayish-white at bud burst, turn green in summer, and take on reddish hues in autumn. The bark of this shrub is gray-brown to gray-white. 

The Chinese Snowball Bush is a beautiful shrub for flowering hedges or shrub borders. It is fully hardy and thrives in sunny or semi-shady locations. It can also be used as a standalone plant to attract attention in small gardens. This shrub creates a beautiful backdrop in the company of lilacs, weigelas, camellias, and hydrangeas in larger gardens. Its flowers can be used in spring bouquets, accompanied by Chinese peonies and irises.

Plant habit

Height at maturity 3 m
Spread at maturity 3 m
Habit Irregular, bushy
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour white
Flowering time April to June
Inflorescence Cyme
Flower size 12 cm
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators
Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms
Fruit colour black

Foliage

Foliage persistence Semi-evergreen
Foliage colour medium green

Botanical data

Genus

Viburnum

Species

macrocephalum

Family

Viburnaceae

Other common names

Chinese Snowball, Chinese Snowball Viburnum, Snowball Viburnum

Origin

China

Product reference22235

Planting and care

The Viburnum macrocephalum thrives in sunny or semi-shaded locations. Plant it in a deep, moist, light, humus-bearing soil and avoid limestone soils. Add heather soil and compost to the planting substrate if necessary. Abundant watering after planting and during the first few weeks after establishment will ensure good growth. This bush performs well in temperate climates, not too hot and with sufficient moisture in summer.

Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to May, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Woodland edge
Type of use Border, Back of border, Hedge
Hardiness Hardy down to -29°C (USDA zone 5) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Planting density 1 per m2
Planting spacing Every 150 cm
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, Deep, humus-bearing

Care

Pruning instructions After flowering, prune the Viburnum macrocephalum. Remove faded flowers and maintain a compact and rounded habit by lightly thinning the center of the silhouette and reducing the size of the larger branches. Avoid heavy pruning, as it weakens the bushes.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time July to August
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

This item has not been reviewed yet - be the first to leave a review about it.

Leave a review →

Hedge shrubs

25
From 14,90 € 3L/4L pot

Available in 2 sizes

8
From 11,90 € 2L/3L pot
28
20% 7,60 € 9,50 € 1.5L/2L pot
4
From 16,50 € 3L/4L pot
8
From 14,90 € 2L/3L pot
47
From 4,70 € Bare root

Available in 2 sizes

6
From 29,50 € 4L/5L pot
84
From 3,70 € Bare root

Available in 4 sizes

5
From 14,90 € 2L/3L pot
22
From 4,90 € 8/9 cm pot

Haven't found what you were looking for?

We only deliver seed and bulb products to your country. If you add other products to your basket, they cannot be shipped.